Uplink Transmission Antenna Panel Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communications, especially in beyond-5G networks, the challenge of achieving efficient uplink transmission performance is exacerbated by UE blockage and maximum permissible exposure constraints, particularly when using wide or ultra-wide spectrum resources at high frequencies.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of antenna array and beam-forming training technologies using massive Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) with analog phase shifters, along with dynamic panel switching and the use of sounding reference signals (SRS) for beam alignment and pathloss estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If massive MIMO with many antenna elements is used to achieve beam alignment and high antenna gain, then uplink transmission performance is improved, but implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive digital phase shifters with cheaper analog phase shifters that have finite controllable phases and constant modulus constraints. This substitution reduces implementation cost while still achieving beam forming functionality, directly addressing the contradiction between performance and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the phase control from continuous digital adjustment to discrete analog phase levels. By pre-specifying beam patterns and using variable phase shift with constant modulus constraints, the system achieves beam alignment with lower cost hardware, resolving the cost-performance tradeoff.
2Device complexity
If analog phase shifters with finite controllable phases are used to reduce implementation cost, then device complexity is reduced, but beam forming precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs beam pattern training beforehand to identify the best beam pattern for subsequent data transmissions. By pre-specifying beam patterns and using sounding reference signals for training, the system compensates for the limited phase resolution of analog phase shifters, maintaining acceptable beam forming precision despite hardware constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the constant modulus constraint of analog phase shifters as a built-in feature rather than a limitation. The finite controllable phases naturally enforce constant modulus, simplifying the hardware design while the beam training process adapts to these discrete phase levels, achieving acceptable precision without requiring more complex hardware.
3Reliability
If multiple UE panels are used to improve uplink transmission performance and overcome blockage, then transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the UE antenna system into multiple independent panels, each capable of separate beam forming and transmission. This segmentation allows the UE to switch between panels or use multiple panels simultaneously to overcome blockage and improve reliability, while each panel remains a manageable independent unit rather than one complex large array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements fast panel switching capability where the UE can dynamically switch between different panels based on transmission conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to respond to blockage and changing channel conditions in real-time, improving reliability without requiring all panels to be active simultaneously, thus managing complexity.
4Loss of energy
If beam-based transmissions are used to overcome propagation loss at high frequencies, then transmission performance is improved, but system complexity increases due to beam training requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs beam pattern training and identifies the best beam pattern before subsequent data transmissions. By using sounding reference signals (SRS) for uplink beam training and channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS) for downlink training, the system establishes optimal beam configurations in advance, reducing the complexity of real-time beam management during actual data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the UE reports channel state information and beam measurement results to the network. This feedback allows the network to adjust beam configurations based on actual channel conditions, optimizing transmission performance while distributing the complexity of beam management between the network and the UE through coordinated training procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication method for use in a wireless terminal is disclosed. The wireless communication method comprises determining at least one transmission state for an uplink channel, wherein at least one of a spatial relation or an antenna port of the uplink channel is determined based on a first transmission state of the at least one transmission state, and transmitting, to a wireless network node, the uplink channel.